Job Title: Press Setup OperatorJob DescriptionThis role is ideal for an experienced Press Set-Up Technician who enjoys hands-on work in a manufacturing environment. You will set up and prepare production presses, install and adjust dies and tooling, perform first-piece inspections, and ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and within required specifications. Success in this position requires strong mechanical aptitude, practical experience with press setup, and the ability to read blueprints and use precision measuring equipment.
Responsibilities
- Set up and prepare production presses, dies, and related tooling for manufacturing operations.
- Install, remove, position, bolt, clamp, and adjust dies and tooling to meet production requirements.
- Make setup and tooling adjustments to achieve required part specifications and tolerances.
- Safely move and position dies using appropriate material-handling equipment for heavier tooling.
- Verify raw material type, thickness, and specifications prior to starting production.
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and process sheets to guide setup and production.
- Use precision measuring equipment to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
- Perform first-piece inspections and make necessary adjustments before releasing jobs to production.
- Conduct dimensional and visual checks during production to ensure parts meet quality requirements.
- Inspect dies and tooling for wear, damage, cleanliness, and overall condition.
- Identify when dies require cleaning, sharpening, repair, or other maintenance and communicate needs appropriately.
- Collaborate with Quality personnel to resolve dimensional or product-conformance issues.
- Set and verify required machine guarding and operator safety devices to ensure safe operation.
- Troubleshoot basic press, tooling, and setup issues to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
- Accurately complete required production and quality documentation.
- Follow established production methods, work instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements at all times.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing setup time and improving productivity, quality, and safety.
- Work effectively with operators, supervisors, Quality, Engineering, and other members of the manufacturing team.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of experience setting up and/or operating production presses and related tooling in a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with press setup, dies, tooling, and metal-forming operations.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and manufacturing process documentation.
- Proficiency using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
- Basic math skills, including working with measurements and tolerances.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to meet applicable U.S. Person requirements for access to ITAR-controlled technical data.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Technical or vocational training in manufacturing, machining, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience with lathe operations and general machining is beneficial.
- Background in aerospace or military-related manufacturing environments is a plus.
- Experience performing inspection activities using precision measurement tools.
- Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing systems is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement efforts in setup, productivity, quality, and safety.
- Strong organizational skills to maintain documentation and a well-ordered work area.
Why Work Here?This opportunity is with a growing manufacturing organization that is investing in expansion and long-term success. As the company grows, team members have the chance to advance their careers and take on new responsibilities. The business supports a strong pipeline of work with aerospace and military customers, offering stability and exposure to high-precision, technically challenging projects. Employees benefit from a culture that values growth, continuous improvement, and collaboration, creating an environment where skilled tradespeople can develop and thrive. Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a manufacturing environment focused on metal-forming and press operations, including work with aerospace and military-related products. You will work around production presses, dies, tooling, and precision measuring equipment such as calipers and micrometers. The role involves hands-on work on the shop floor, following established safety procedures, using appropriate material-handling equipment for heavier tooling, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area. Collaboration with operators, Quality, and Engineering is a regular part of the workday. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethel, CT. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethel, CT. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Bethel,CT.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
